East Central: Greater Orlando and the Space Coast
East Central
The boundless ingenuity shaping Greater Orlando’s innovation ecosystem is an outgrowth of the aerospace and entertainment industries that for decades have attracted global recognition. Opportunity starts at the University of Central Florida, which has grown to become not only one of the largest universities in the nation, but also one of the most impactful engines of economic growth.
Anchoring The Corridor’s network in East Central Florida, the UCF Business Incubation Program facilitates smarter, faster growth for tech startups and companies expanding to the region. The team leverages a deep resource network of university researchers, industry trade groups, capital investors and federal procurement partners to support new and potential clients.
trusted collaborators + connections
Our work is powered by collaborative relationships with trusted individuals and organizations that share our spirit of innovation and desire to help.
City of Ormond Beach
Economic Development
The department implements a robust growth strategy for a strong economy and a high quality of life.
Brian Rademacher
Director of Economic Development
Economic Development Commission Florida’s Space Coast
Economic Development
The EDC of Florida’s Space Coast is the official economic development organization for Brevard County.
Edgar Campa-Palafox
VP, Business Development
Florida Space Institute
University Research + Innovation
FSI supports space research, development and education activities within UCF and member institutions in Florida.
Seminole County Office of Economic Development
Economic Development
The economic development team helps businesses locate and grow in the county.
Esteban Saldarriaga
Business Marketing Manager
StarterStudio
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
StarterStudio is a nonprofit tech accelerator.
Dawn Haynes
CEO & Executive Director
UCF Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center (AMPAC)
University Research + Innovation
AMPAC is an interdisciplinary research and education center for materials science and engineering at UCF.
UCF Institute for Simulation and Training
University Research + Innovation
IST provides cutting-edge, human-centered simulation research and a transdisciplinary graduate program.
UCF NanoScience Technology Center
University Research + Innovation
The center conducts cutting-edge research in materials and nanotechnology to solve real-world challenges.
UCF Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The SBDC at UCF offers support for small business owners in eight surrounding counties.
Eunice Choi
Regional Director
Volusia County Economic Development
Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development assists business owners and works collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Brad Harris
Business Manager
BRIDG
Industry Group
BRIDG is non-profit microelectronics fabrication facility with 200mm (8-inch) wafer fab capabilities.
CareerSource Central Florida
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Central Florida delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Pamela Nabors
President & CEO
CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics at UCF
University Research + Innovation
The College of Optics and Photonics is a world leader in education, research and industrial partnership.
David Hagan
Professor + Dean
Duke Energy Corporation
Corporate Innovation
Sustaining Sponsor
Duke Energy is a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations.John Fremstad
Director of Innovation + Competitiveness
FloridaMakes
Industry Group
FloridaMakes improves the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturers.
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
Orlando Economic Partnership
Economic Development
The Partnership is an economic and community development organization serving Orlando and surrounding areas.
David Adelson
Executive Director, Innovation + Technology
Osceola County
Economic Development
Osceola County's NeoCity initiative is poised to serve as catalyst for high-tech innovation and creation, including jobs and capital investment.
Mike Nichola + Don Fisher
Government Affairs Director + County Manager
Space Florida
Industry Group
Space Florida strengthens Florida's position as a leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce.
Tony Gannon
VP, Research & Innovation
Team Orlando
Industry Group
Team Orlando supports partnerships that bring ingenuity to the forefront of military training and simulation.
weVENTURE at the Florida Insitute of Technology
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
weVENTURE ignites the economic power of women and entrepreneurs.
Kathryn Rudloff
Executive Director
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
